Our complete Oscar predictions, even ‘Documentary Short’

The 2009 Academy Awards may have the most predictable Oscar slate in recent memory: most of the likely winners look like they’ll carry their categories in a walk. But upsets happen every year, and the most surprising turn of events would be if nothing surprising happened. (By the way, did we mention that we’ll be Liveblogging the Oscars broadcast on Sunday night? We did? Just checking.) At any rate, here’s my complete list of predictions in every categories. And they’re my final answers, Anil Kapoor.

Best Picture: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader , Slumdog Millionaire

Prediction: Benjamin Button received the most nominations and has earned the most money at the box office, Milk has the greatest political cachet, but Slumdog Millionaire has the most momentum, having virtually swept the various Guild awards. Plus the movie actually leaves the audience feeling good, which can’t hurt at times like these.

Best Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), Stephen Daldry (The Reader), David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon), Gus Van Sant (Milk)